Consistently generating some of the best skincare buzz ever seen on social media, a Sunday Riley launch never flies under the radar. Arriving exclusively at Sephora, the brand new C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum is officially here and I’m seriously digging it. Hard.

Full disclosure: I live for the Luna Sleeping Night Oil and have had nothing but success with it over the last couple of years. I have received dozens of messages on Instagram asking me about the C.E.O. Protect + Repair Cream. Personally, I have never used it, which makes contact with the brand new serum my first Sunday Riley Vitamin C experience. Spoiler alert: it’s pretty great.

Serious Newness

Fueled by 15% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, the most potent form of Vitamin C, the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum is impressive right out of the gate. The oil soluble ingredient gains its powerhouse reputation because of its quasi-drug popularity in Japan at 3% and Korea at 2%. If you’re a Vitamin C aficionado, you may have seen this particular solution at 15% and 30% strengths and at much higher price points from Revision Skincare sold at select dermatologist offices.

The latest.

*THAT* Vit C though…

Pairing the ultra reliable Vitamin C with Glycolic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate Extract, and a unique Phytosterols Complex, this C.E.O. is the boss in my brightening treatment arsenal. While the key ingredient here is highly responsible for addressing sun damage related hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, the combination of actives smoothes out the texture, refines the look of pores, and provides comfort even to those with sensitive complexions.

Consistency is much lighter than it appears.

Much more user friendly than other forms of Vitamin C, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate not only penetrates deeper within the dermis but does so without irritation. I usually reach for Vitamin C formulas during my morning routine; usually after I shave. Most formulas, if not all, trigger a brief but intense burning/stinging sensation whereas the new C.E.O. is beyond mild in spite of its power.

Favorite combos.

How, When, Etc.

So, you want to get the best out of your Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum? Here are a few simple guidelines. The only ‘no-no’ I can think of is probably layering it together with Good Genes – you may want to work this duo on an ‘either-or’ basis – alternate days or AM versus PM so as not to overdo it in the exfoliation department.

Perhaps too potent together?

Vitamin C plays well with Retinol, so those, who love Luna can use the new Brightening Serum under the Sleeping Night Oil. If you enjoy Tidal, that’s great – follow up with it post-serum day or night. Featuring a bright orange scent, the new C.E.O. formula has a milky texture and is extremely lightweight in consistency. It absorbs within seconds and works very well before any oil or cream moisturizer. Both Oxygen and UV stable, it performs beautifully under sunscreen.

Perfect Pair

Since adding this Sunday Riley latest to my skincare routine took no effort, I’ve been enjoying the 15% Vitamin C perks the last few days. While the long term brightening effects will require a bit more time, my skin is definitely already looking more vibrant and awake.

1 Comment

Kendraaddict

July 21, 2018 / 4:08 am

Excellent review! I had no idea (shame on me for not doing my due diligence) that CEO serum contained glycolic acid!!!

I am slowly reintroducing acids (starting with Vitamin C) after SERIOUSLY PAINFUL overexfolition caused by layering CEO serum with Luna Oil AND Good Genes, and honestly wanted to wait a week before patch testing glycolic acid. I only did a patch test with both this and the CEO moisturizer on top (I passed the CEO serum patch test so this was step two) and hope to God I’m not back struggling with a destroyed acid mantle/skin barrier.

I wish I would have read this article first. Signing up for your newsletter NOW and thank you for the article!!!